The Tru-Fi Two Face Fuzz is an analog fuzz pedal from Tru-Fi Pedals that puts two versions of the classic Fuzz Face circuit in one box: a germanium-transistor circuit and a silicon-transistor circuit, with a toggle to switch between them. Tru-Fi's pitch for it is simple: instead of choosing between the two transistor types, you get both, effectively two pedals in one1.
The idea comes straight from Fuzz Face history. The early units built from 1966 to 1969 used germanium transistors, and in 1970 the design changed to temperature tolerant silicon. Tru-Fi built both into a single switchable pedal, aiming at the late 60s Fuzz Face and what the maker calls "Jimi tones"1.
Germanium and silicon in one pedal
The two sides of the pedal have distinct characters, as Tru-Fi describes them:
| Side | Transistors | Character |
|---|---|---|
| "'69 (Ge)" | Germanium | Warm, fatter, darker; classic tones2 |
| "'70 (Si)" | Silicon | Brighter, some say a tad harsher; sharper sound21 |
A toggle switch on the pedal selects between the two modes2. The germanium side is the one that responds to the Bias control, while the silicon side is set internally to 4.5V and, in Tru-Fi's words, needs no adjustment: "the silicon is inside and set to 4.5V no need to move it - it is pretty solid"1.
"The germanium is warm, fatter and darker, the silicon is brighter some say a tad harsher"
Controls
The pedal carries the core Fuzz Face control set plus Tru-Fi's additions:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Fuzz | Sets the fuzz amount2 |
| Volume | Sets the output level2 |
| Bias | Fine tunes the germanium side2 |
| Input Gain | Trims the input level; sometimes side-mounted2 |
The Bias control sits on top of the pedal so you can tweak the germanium bias at any time. Set it for the right tone, or bias it low for what Tru-Fi calls "crazy unique fluttering motorboat tones"1.
The input control is an internal knob on the standard version. Stock it is fully clockwise; turning it counter clockwise lowers the overall gain a tinge, brightens the sound, and makes the pedal play better with wahs1. If you want that control on the outside for easier access, Tru-Fi offers a side-mounted option for a $20 upcharge1.
Tru-Fi notes that maxed fuzz, especially on the "'70" silicon setting, can produce some noise and swirls. Backing off the Fuzz setting a tinge makes it go away4.
From the Fuzz Face to the Mini version
The Two Face is also available in a compact form, the Two Face Fuzz Mini PBF, built in a smaller and more modern enclosure4. The Mini keeps the same switchable germanium and silicon circuits and the same 50 year old fuzz design at its core4.
Two things change on the Mini:
- The input control pot is available on the outside, like Tru-Fi's Vintage Series pedals, which the maker says helps with wahs and with "taming the beast"4.
- All Tru-Fi mini pedals run on a 9V power supply or a 9V battery4.
The standard Two Face runs on 9V DC with a center negative plug2. Like all Tru-Fi pedals, it comes in lots of colors1.
Players and lineage
Tru-Fi's page notes the pedal was seen on Premier Guitar's Rig Rundown with Marcus King on October 27, 20221. The Two Face sits in a Tru-Fi fuzz range that also includes the Zosa Fuzz, the Zonked Machine, and the Supa Fuzz, among others.
Videos
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Anthony J. Wilkerson
Philip Czarnecki
Questions
What is the difference between the germanium and silicon sides of the Tru-Fi Two Face Fuzz?
Tru-Fi describes the germanium side as warm, fatter and darker, and the silicon side as brighter, which some players find a touch harsher. The germanium side follows the 1966 to 1969 Fuzz Face circuits, while the silicon side follows the 1970 version with temperature tolerant transistors. A toggle switch selects between the two.
Does the Tru-Fi Two Face Fuzz need a battery or a power supply?
The pedal runs on a 9V DC power supply with a center negative plug, and the Mini PBF version can also run on a 9V battery. Tru-Fi notes that the silicon circuit's bias is set internally to 4.5V and needs no adjustment, so there is nothing to dial in on that side.
What does the Bias control do on the Two Face Fuzz?
The Bias control sits on top of the pedal and lets you fine tune the germanium side at any time. Set it for the tone you want, or bias it low for what Tru-Fi calls crazy unique fluttering motorboat tones. The silicon side is fixed internally at 4.5V and is not meant to be adjusted.
Which Fuzz Face versions is the Two Face Fuzz based on?
It is based on the classic Fuzz Face of the late 60s. Tru-Fi points to the early 1966 to 1969 units with germanium transistors and the 1970 version that switched to temperature tolerant silicon, and puts both circuits in one switchable pedal.
Does Marcus King use the Tru-Fi Two Face Fuzz?
Yes. Tru-Fi's product page notes the pedal was seen on Premier Guitar's Rig Rundown with Marcus King on October 27, 2022.
Is there a smaller version of the Two Face Fuzz?
Yes, the Two Face Fuzz Mini PBF is a compact version in a smaller, modern enclosure. It carries the same switchable germanium and silicon circuits, and on the Mini the input control pot is available on the outside like Tru-Fi's Vintage Series.
Sources (4)
- Two Face Fuzz, tru-fi.com
- Two Face Fuzz by Tru-Fi Pedals, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- The Zonked Machine Fuzz, tru-fi.com
- Tru-Fi Two Face Fuzz Pedalboard Mini Version Guitar Pedal, Tru-Fi
